Amana invites residents to embrace the season

AMANA — Amana’s annual Winterfest is the perfect way to leave the house in late January and embrace the season with various outdoor and indoor activities, according to organizers.

The festival will take place Saturday, Jan. 25 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The day begins with the Amana Freezer 5k Run/Walk from Amana to East Amana. This race takes off at 10 a.m. no matter the weather, starting in front of the Carding Studio at Hotel Millwright.

Both expert runners and those who move a little slower participate. The Amana Colonies Trails organizes this fun run. Race-day registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

The annual Winterfest Wine & Beer Walk will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can get a Wine & Beer Walk passport for $5 from any participating business (Ackerman Winery, Fireside in the Village, Millstream Brewing Co., Village Winery and White Cross Cellars), visit all the wineries and the brewery, enjoy samples and have passports stamped.

The first 200 who turn in passports at the Visitors Center by 5 p.m. will receive free Winterfest wineglasses. All participants who turn in completed passports will be entered in a drawing for five $25 gift certificates.

Many shops in the Amanas will have special events, demonstrations and product specials during Winterfest.

The Winterfest Games at the Market Barn, 707 46th Ave. in Amana, are scheduled for noon to 4 p.m.

Each year, the Amana Meat Shop sponsors the two Winterfest classics, The Great Amana Ham Put and the Wreath Toss.

Enter the annual Best Beard Competition set for 3 p.m., and watch local chain saw artist from Colony Carvers create his art live during the games and events.

The Amana Volunteer Fire Department will serve chili at the Market Barn beginning at noon while supplies last.

Market Barn events are subject to both weather conditions and other emergency events. In most cases, Winterfest will not be canceled but details might be adjusted to combat any unpleasant or dangerous weather.

Check the Winterfest 2025 Facebook page for updates. Call the Visitors Center at 319-622-7622 with any questions.